LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2661, 31 March 1885, Page 2

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[E.EUTBRS TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. A PERMANENT ARTILLERY FORCE FOR PORT PHILLIP HEADS. PREPARATIONS FOR HARBOUR DEFENCE. WARNINGS FROM SINGAPORE. THE DEFENCES OF NEW SOUTH WALES. HANLAN ON HIS DEFEAT. (Received March 31, 1.10 a.m.) Melbourne, March 30. The Queenscliffe fort has been manned by a detachment of permanent Artillery. Other preparations for defence are being rapidly proceeded with. Torpedoes are being submerged in various positions in the bay. Pilots' certificates of the captains of coasting vessels are suspended for a time, and additional pilots have been appointed in consequence. (Received March 31, 1 p.m.) March 31. It has uninspired tlnf Government recently received nn n■ i■ = HFi ;m1 w.niin-f from Singapore to u.c t ti'-ct, Unr. several Russian cruisers had left there,

and proceeded in a northerly direction ; and were again warned on Friday that the Russian ironclad General Admiral, 16 guns, 4600 tons was at the Cape. The consequences of this news are that the Hon. Mr Service is in cornmunication with the Premiers of the various colonies, in cypher; and this has given rise to unusual activity in mutters of defence. Adelaide, March 31. The Government is in communication with Admiral Tryon, commanding the Australian Squadron, in regard to measures necessary for the protection of the Porb Darwin cable. (Received March 31, 12.30 p.m.) Sydney, March 31. Measures for strengthening the defences of the colony are occupying the attention of Government, and active military preparations at the port for securing the position of Sydney Heads, Botany Bay, and Newcastle are being made. Hanlan freely admits his complete defeat by Beach, and his conviction that the best man won. Sailed, the Ringarooina, for Auckland, on Friday afternoon. The Rotomahana arrived on Sunday afternoon.